3 cops probed over illegal gambling

Three police officers are currently being investigated for their alleged involvement in the protection racket of illegal numbers game in Central Visayas.

Senior Supt. Chiquito Malayo, commander of the Counter-Intelligence Task Force (CITF), confirmed receiving complaints against two officials with a rank of Superintendent (Lieutenant Colonel in the military) but refused to provide more details, citing a policy of non-disclosure until a final report is done.

He also confirmed that another police sergeant also in Central Visayas is also being probed over the same allegation.

“Their cases are still under investigation so we cannot really reveal more details about the case because we are strictly following a process,” said Malayo.

But retired military general Alexander Balutan, general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), said it was actually his office which inform the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) about the alleged extortion racket of the three policemen.

He identified them as Supts. Joel Quintero and Nicomedes Olaivar Jr., and SPO4 Clarito Aparicio.

“We immediately brought to the attention of the PNP the report about the alleged activities. We also requested for them to be transferred to prevent them from influencing the investigation,” said Balutan.

Currently, the three cops were already ordered deployed to three separate units in Mindanao. (Aaron Recuenco)